IBS Journal April 2016
Amazon’s virtual helper adds Capital One to roster
Capital One customers in the US can now use the Amazon Echo smart speaker system to check their credit card balance, review recent transactions, and pay their credit card bill. The device deploys a voice-command service called Alexa to help users perform such tasks as turning on smart lights, playing music and purchasing items from the e-tailer. Amazon introduced the Echo in 2014 and has signed up a number of partners to give the device ad- ditional capabilities, for instance, ordering a car via Uber, and asking for a Domino’s pizza delivery. Capital One’s app is, however, the first
allowing customers to interact with their financial account (there is an app from Fidelity but that lets users to ask for current stock prices). They can sign up via the Alexa app on their smartphone or tablet, or go to the Alexa website. The service can be set to require a four-digit security passcode. “The Alexa Skills store is quickly
growing, and today we’re excited to add the Capital One skill – which is the first skill that will enable Alexa users to interact with their financial accounts,” says Rob Pulciani, director of Amazon Alexa. “More and more voice experiences are coming, and it’s only going to get better for our customers.” Scott Thompson
Atom buys Grasp as go live date approaches
UK digital challenger bank Atom has ac- quired Grasp, a digital design agency head- ed by Eutechnyx/Zerolight founder Brian Jobling. As part of the deal, Jobling will be- come Business Development Director at Atom.
He states: “Atom is one of the most
exciting projects in the North East of Eng- land and my passion for the region meant myself and the team couldn’t possibly turn down the opportunity to work with them longer term. An amazing development environment has already been created at Atom and it’s great to be part of a business with such enthusiasm and drive. The bank is rapidly expanding its development team and there isn’t a better place for top quality developers to hone their trade. I look for- ward to continued working with the team to
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create a seamless and engaging user inter- face experience that will be appreciated by Atom’s customers.” The digital-only venture, which is set to
launch later this year, says the acquisition of Grasp is part of its, “strategic plan to create the most engaging user experience in bank- ing. In a single move, this brings together User-Interface expertise from the banking industry with experience from the video games industry. This combined experience in 3D technology and design visualisation is driving the differentiation of Atom’s custom- er’s experience.” The move follows a £45 million invest-
ment in Atom by BBVA, taking the total funding secured by the venture to £135 million.
Scott Thompson © IBS Intelligence 2016
www.ibsintelligence.com
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